Dragons re-sign James Leadbeater and Steffan Jones

Steffan Jones scored a try on his first start for the Dragons against the Blues

Half-backs James Leadbeater and Steffan Jones have signed new contracts with Newport Gwent Dragons.

Jones impressed in his first start for the Dragons against Cardiff Blues out of position at full-back when he opened his regional account with a fine try.

The fly-half, 20, scored more than 300 points for Cross Keys, while scrum-half Leadbeater was also on a dual-contract with the Dragons and Newport RFC.

Jones has agreed a two-year deal, while Leadbeater has signed for one year.

Leadbeater, 22, made five appearances for the Dragons last season and Dragons director of rugby Robert Beale is delighted to have secured the continued services of the two players.

"We're delighted to have Steffan on board for another two years, he has shown how talented he is and we are looking forward to seeing him develop further with us," Beale said.

"James is another regional talent who we believe has a bright future in regional rugby. It is again indicative of the direction the region is taking that we are concentrating on developing local youngsters, as we see them as being key to the future of rugby at the Dragons."

The news comes the day after the Welsh region made an official announcement on the departure of 17 players from the Dragons' books.